A Very Local East London Diary

August 30, 2007

Old Orient

After last year's death wish relgation struggle, imagine my amazement at returning from holiday to find Orient at the top of League One after winning their first three matches of the season. It also gives me the perfect opportunity to publish this picture of an Orient team when the club was called Clapton Orient.

My husbands Grandfather says his father played for Clapton Orient and we are desperate to find a picture of him to give him as he hasnt got any of his father. his name was William Thomas Beckinsdale he changed his surname to veal so it ma be under William Thoms Veal. Look forward to hearing from you with any information.

Can you please find a picture of my Late father in law who played for Clapton Orient Fc either late 1940's or early 1950's. His name was John Cecil Beacon. DoB 1st February 1926. a picture would fill the gap in his life i am missing. Thanks in advance Richard

I have a similar query but pre 1914. I am looking for William Hunter who played for ECFC 1914 but I believe he moved there from Clapton.
However, can I offer a bit of advise to all the others who have put in requests for info. One of my relatives played for Bolton - who say they have no record. I have found a couple of newspaper articles with his name showing he played for them. Have a look in the local newspaper sports pages and you might find your man. Hope this helps. Alison

Could anyone have any details on a player called Harry Jenkins who played just before the secon world way and also played at Leyton Orient when they moved.I also believe that his good friend Stan Smith also played for them.

Following up on my previous message on July 4th 2013 I understand my father Harry Jenkins played for the reserves as a right winger he mentioned he had made his first appearance at Fratton Park and scored his first goal at Wimbledon if anyone give me any information would be obliged.

Your request for info on a Jack BARR playing for Clapton Orient. I do have a JOHN Barr listed playing for Clapton Orient first team, but afraid no pictures of him as he was mostly a reserve player with a few first team appearances.

i think i can help with the william holmes question. Billy Holmes was a player for clapton around 1906 before becoming the manager around 1911. he was the manager when all of clapton signed up to fight in the great war. been doing a lot of research with Steve Jenkins on the team at this time as my play the greater game is going out soon and tells the true story of the men of clapton orient who fought in ww1 and billy holmes is being played by Nick Hancock (They Think Its all Over, Room 101) for more details on the show or questions regarding clapton around this time please email Info@lapa.academy or google the greater game southwark playhouse